Effect of Orthotic Rehabilitation with Isocentric Reciprocating Gait Orthosis on Functional Ambulation in Patients with Spinal Cord Injury

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objectives Functional ability defines a person's ability to walk, with or without the aid of appropriate assistive devices, safely and sufficiently to carry out mobility-related activities of daily living. Longitudinal evaluation of the efficiency of gait training positively affecting these parameters has not been reported. Therefore, the aim of this study is to provide evidence supporting the progression of walking speed and functional ambulation over 12 weeks of orthotic gait rehabilitation using an isocentric reciprocating gait orthosis (IRGO) in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). Materials and Methods Twelve patients with SCI participated in this study. Gait evaluation was performed at baseline and at 4, 8, and 12 weeks following intervention with an IRGO and specific gait training. Gait speed and endurance were measured by the 10-m walk test and the 6-minute walk test, respectively. The Functional Independence Measure (FIM) locomotor subscale and the Walking Index for Spinal Cord Injury II (WISCI II) were used to measure the locomotor ability. Results Improvement in speed of walking was observed after 4 weeks and continued to improve with time. The distance of walking, FIM, and WISCI also increased significantly during the study period when compared with the baseline. Conclusion Patients with SCI showed an increase in walking functional ambulation ability during a longitudinal period of orthotic gait training with an IRGO. In conclusion, wearing IRGO associated with gait training can provide individuals with thoracic-level SCI the ability to walk faster.